Anesthesia

Spinal anesthesia
is given through the spine. The doctor may give you a sedative to keep you relaxed and ease anxiety.

Description of the Procedure

IVs will be placed in your arm or hands for medications and fluids. The range of motion of your knee will be examined to confirm the ACL tear. Next, another tendon in your knee or hamstring will be located (called autograft) to reconstruct the torn ligament. Sometimes a donor graft (called allograft) is used. The graft tendon will be formed to the correct size.

1 or 2 small keyhole incisions will be made on the top of the knee. An arthroscope (or endoscope) and tiny tools will be inserted into the knee joint. The torn ACL is removed and other damage to the knee is trimmed or repaired. In order to reconstruct the tendon, holes will be drilled through bone structures in the thigh and shin. The new graft will be placed through these holes. Needles may be threaded through the holes to suture the new tendon into place. Other devices, such as screws, washers, or staples are also used to hold the graft in place.

Once the graft is securely in place, the knee’s range of motion will be tested. Other tests will be done as well. The skin will be closed with stitches. Bandages and/or a brace will be placed on the knee.

How Long Will It Take?

About 2 hours.

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will block pain during the procedure. You will have pain after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medication to help manage pain.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. You can usually go home the same day. If you have complications, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

After the procedure, the hospital staff may provide the following care:

Monitor your vital signs as you recover from the anesthesia.

Medication to manage pain.

Antibiotics to prevent infection.

Medication that prevents blood clots.

Place ice packs on your knee.

Show you how to use a continuous passive motion machine.

Teach you how to use crutches or knee brace.

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chances of infection such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incisions

At Home

When you return home, take these steps:

Use crutches or knee brace for as long as the doctor recommends.

Work with a physical therapist.

Be sure to follow your doctor’s
instructions
.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site

Swelling, pain, or heat in your calves

Pain cannot be controlled with the medications you were given

Nausea or vomiting

Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

Numbness in the knee area

New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.